Double Dutch Bus

I saw a Youtube video Softjockrick posted in a thread recently and it amazed me that I had somehow never heard that song before:sqerr: and I really, really liked it. :love7:

What I would like to get from you guys/gals is some suggestions for songs very similar to the Double Dutch song in beat and overall sound. I think these will be perfect dance songs and I need a good list of dance songs with a good beat.:dcool:

Thanks

Check out the music catalog of Sugarhill records.

This song was a staple at the roller rink, along with Le Freak by Chic and Funkytown by Lipps, Inc. We are referring to the Frankie Smith version? (is there another?)

Those were the days Man!

We used to take our skates to the clubs on the weekends :sqbiggrin:

I saw a Youtube video Softjockrick posted in a thread recently and it amazed me that I had somehow never heard that song before:sqerr: and I really, really liked it. :love7:

What I would like to get from you guys/gals is some suggestions for songs very similar to the Double Dutch song in beat and overall sound. I think these will be perfect dance songs and I need a good list of dance songs with a good beat.:dcool:

Thanks

Thats some Funky Soul/R&B You need the right audience

The Gap Band.......

"Party Train".
"I don't believe You want me to get up and dance" (The Oops song)
"Shake"
"Early in the Morning"

Carl Carlton.....
."She's a Bad Mama Jama"

SOS Band:
"Take Your Time Do It Right"

These are songs that are very good dance songs for the right audience. These are the ones I like to dance to personally.......bit of rhythm, funk, soul......

To be Real umm what a song
Apache one of my fav's
September Earth Wind and Fire maybe not exactly what your looking for but I plug EWF any time I can:sqembarrassed:

All you need is a couple of good lady dancers who can handle the Funk and you can really liven up a party.

In addition artists like......Billy Preston, Staple Singers, Prince, Ray Parker jr., The Pointer sisters, Morris Day and the Time.......I could go on and on..............

Please do. . . go ahead, go on and on. Be as specific as possible(everyone).
The songs DON'T HAVE TO BE the same kind of funk dance tunes as Double Dutch Bus, I just like that type of music, specifically that kind of beat and funky feel.

What I'm really looking for is ANY songs that people hear and start heading out onto the dance floor, ANY, it doesn't matter to me what genre, era or whatever. I'm always looking for new ideas and new songs that I may not have heard or have forgotten about.

Please do. . . go ahead, go on and on. Be as specific as possible(everyone).
The songs DON'T HAVE TO BE the same kind of funk dance tunes as Double Dutch Bus, I just like that type of music, specifically that kind of beat and funky feel.

What I'm really looking for is ANY songs that people hear and start heading out onto the dance floor, ANY, it doesn't matter to me what genre, era or whatever. I'm always looking for new ideas and new songs that I may not have heard or have forgotten about.

Hey bro, nice to have you here: you'll find everyting you need here if you stick around long enough!

Here is my playlist from my NYE gig Monday. A little bit of everything in here. Every song I played filled the floor, you can't go wrong with most of these classics.

(SOUND CHECK) 6:30 PM
APOLOGIZE
HIT THE DANCE FLOOR
PUT YOUR HANDS UP FOR DETROIT
TECHNOLOGY DREAMS (REMIX)
YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG

7:00 PM
FIDELITY
PORCELAIN
PUT YOUR RECORDS ON
SLEEP
LOVELY DAY
KISS ME
HOTEL CALIFORNIA (GYPSY KING SPANISH VERSION)
COME AND GET YOUR LOVE
CRASH
ISLAND IN THE SUN
YOU GOT THE BEST OF MY LOVE
SEPTEMBER (EWF)
FEELING GOOD SMOOTH
COPACABANA
PIANO MAN
DON’T STOP BELIEVING
JUKE BOX HERO
PROUD MARY
MAGIC CARPET RIDE
FLAHING LIGHTS REMIX
ROCKLOBSTER
SOME KIND OF WODERFUL
HIP HOP HERO PARTY BREAK MIX
WORD UP
FIDDLE IN THE BAND
LOVE SONG
MY GIRL
LOW RIDER
REGULATE
CROCODILE ROCK
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC
RUNAROUND SUE
THE LOCOMOTION
SHINING STAR
I’M A BELIEVER
ROCK THIS TOWN
TAKE YOUR TIME (DO IT RIGHT)
DUST ON THE BOTTLE
MAMBO #5
LITTLE RED CORVETTE
BROWN EYED GIRL
JUNGLE BOOGIE
CANNED HEAT
THE TWIST - CHUBBY
NIGHT FEVER
STAYING ALIVE
SWING THE MOOD
ELECTRIC SLIDE
LET’S STAY TOGETHER
TENNESSEE WALTZ
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU
CUPID SHUFFLE
GOODY TWO SHOES
COME ON EILEEN
SUMMER OF 69
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY
LOUIE, LOUIE
BRICK HOUSE
OLD TIME ROCK-N-ROLL
THE DANCE
YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A BEAUTIFUL BABY
FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES
BOOGIE SHOES
GREASE MEGAMIX
I WILL SURVIVE
GOOD TIMES
SUPER FREAK
UPTOWN GIRLS
ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG
CHA CHA SLIDE
LADY MARMALADE
RETRO DANCE REMIX
IT TAKES TWO
THRILLER
JESSE’S GIRL
TALK DIRTY TO ME
SAVE A HORSE RIDE A COWBOY
SWEET HOME ALABAMA
DIXIELAND DELIGHT
YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG
YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND
BORN IN THE USA
YOU LOOK WONDERFUL TONIGHT
CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE
TWIST AND SHOUT
SHOUT
THE LOCOMOTION
I FEEL GOOD
MONY MONY
SANDSTORM
AULD LANG SYNE (GLENN MILLER - AWESOME RENDITION)
PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999
DANCING QUEEN
SHAKE YOUR BOOTY
IN THE MOOD
ZOOT SUIT RIOT
ROCKIT (HERBIE HANDCOCK)
HURTS SO GOOD
YEAH
BUTTONS
JOY TO THE WORLD
MACARENA
I GOT IT FROM MY MAMA (MOTHER AND DAUGHTER WERE SHAKING THEIR THANGS TO THE MACARENA SO I STUCK THIS IN THERE)
SEXYBACK
CANDY SHOP
DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
GETTING HOT IN HERE
BOOTYLICIOUS
TUSH
HIT THE ROAD JACK

1:30 am

Yup,

I love to go from Double Dutch Bus into Apache... then maybe even into Walk This Way (Run DMC w/ Aerosmith)....

Nice little hip-hop set...

I love DDB, i just wished it would go over better... I use Billie Jean sometimes.... but maybe I'll try Apache

I have no clue what Apache is (or maybe I know it, and just don't know it by name) -- anybody care to clue us in on Artist...? :)

Sugarhill gang ... Also called Jump on it

Any more "sure to get them out on the dance floor" suggestions?

This is really important to me!

Thanks again guys.

Keep in mind Stogie that as I'm sure you know it totally depends on the type of gig and folks in attendence on which songs go over well. There isn't a "one size fits all" play list that works everytime. Most clients will tell you they liked the variety of songs played at weddings or parties with an older crowd while Teen events typically need to be 90% Current tracks...heavy on Rap/hip hop.

Thank you and I understand and appreciate what you're saying, but I'm still looking to make a list of good dance songs that you guys have found in your experiences that work most of the time to get people up and shaking their booty. I understand, nothing works all the time, some things work most of the time, and then sometimes other songs do the trick based on the crowd at the event.

What I'm looking for are suggestions and ideas based on the experience of the DJs here so I don't have to reinvent the wheel. I can sit and listen to every song in my collection or I can get some ideas that you guys know from lots of gigs that work. That's all I'm looking for.

Well.... you can spin some of the old-school booty jams to get 'em sweatin':

Booty Call
Perculator
Boodie Bounce
Da' Butt
Bus Stop
Wild Thing (Tone Loc)
Strokin'
Me So Horny
Whoomp! There It Is
Funky Cold Medina
Tootsie Roll
Jungle Love
C'mon Ride It (The Train)

Don't forget the old Motown classics. And Chubby Checker's The Twist is another sure-fire floor filler for all ages.

There's always the belly-rubbers everyone dances to like This Magic Moment (Drifters) and the Righteous Bros' Unchained Melody. Always program some slow dances into your mix... they give the crowd a chance to wind down.

The Beach Boys' Barbara Ann is a good floor filler. Try it and see.

And you can always fall back on the "cheese" dance tracks like Electric Boogie, Macarena, Love Shack, Mony Mony and YMCA. Extended remixes are available. If the crowd dances to 'em, it's all good. :)

Elvis Presley, well the name speaks for itself. Jailhouse Rock usually keeps 'em rockin'.

Michael Jackson has done some fantastic, popular dance tunes. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground), Billie Jean and Thriller will rock the dancefloors.

If there are Country music lovers in your crowd, David Allen Coe's You Never Even Called Me By My Name and John Conlee's Rose Colored Glasses are classic buckle polishers. Trace Adkins' Honky Tonk Badonkadonk is still a popular uptempo dance with the all-ages crowds.

Before I forget, the limbo dance is always fun and it gets your audience involved. You can use a broom handle for a limbo pole if that's all ya have. Chubby Checker has an extended version of Limbo Rock available.

This list is by no means all-inclusive. I'm just going by some comps I've got laying on my desk tonight. :)

I'd suggest searching amazon.com for collections of genre-specific dance music. There's a lot of it out there. Many artists are (were) one-hit wonders so shop for collections by various artists in the genre(s) you need.

Thoughts?

Wow, it's so funny that you mention Unchained Melody and This Magic Moment. Those are two of my favorite songs and also two of my best songs that I sing. Thank you Fred for the rest of your list and the advice.

Sometimes questions like these may be asked to get confirmation and validation. I or someone else may have an idea of what works and we just want to hear from others to see if we're on the same page. In the process we end up getting some new ideas and maybe pick up a few new songs that we may have overlooked. I may be the one asking the question, but there may very well be several other people taking notes and picking up valuable insights who never even get involved in the discussion. I don't know what the statistics are, but there are a lot more lurkers than posters on most discussion boards.

What about Earth Wind and Fire - Fantasy? Anyone playing it? Is it cheese?

Okay Stogie how about listing songs in different genres you feel might work for the heck of it as it might prove in your vast age how much you really do know. I love testing myself and finding the gems myself in some cases. Somehow my way has served me well actually knowing music that works in genres that I havent really experienced . Go ahead give it a whirl three or four genres not Pshared with you so far. Perhaps songs like Double Dutch Bus for instance what four songs would you think might work with that new gem you just found especially in your region of wherever you live?

John you made me chuckle. If I knew anything I wouldn't be asking. I'm looking to tap into the vast knowledge here.

I've been working on trying to make written lists of which songs I'll be performing, which songs I want to use for playing at weddings and which songs I want to use for general DJing in bars and such. I've spent a lot of time over the last 90 days preparing myself to put on a one man show and to start DJing. Choosing songs, rehearsing, learning how to operate my mixer, researching/selecting and acquiring equipment like microphones, speakers etc.

I have already spent hours and hours here reading about lighting and a lot of other things that either I knew little to nothing about or hadn't even thought of before. I really didn't know how important lighting was(I had no clue) until I read a bunch of threads here. One of the most important things on my must buy list in 2008 is lighting.

I'm trying to do things the easy way by getting you guys to tell me what works for you so I don't go out and play a bunch of music that people won't get up and dance to. Every event is important to someone and I want to do my very best to try to make it special and memorable for them.

If some of the people here are comfortable sharing what songs they play, believe me, I am very thankful and truly appreciate their knowledge. I've already stuck my toe in the water and VERY soon I'll be jumping in with both feet. I'm trying to do it in an intelligent way and I want to be prepared when I start asking people to give me $100 or more per hour.

okay and you must chuckle once more when I tell you its likely all of us will help you but truth be known I would love to race cars on the Nascar circuit and going to the Richard PEtty driving school for 6 weeks I likely wouldnt expect to go out to Daytona and beat Tony Stewart. I asked the questions of you I did cause it is actually quite important in this very short learning curve effort to see what you might be able to do naturally. I have gladly helped many including yourself to date and feel Im actually helping you in a sense more the JTV way. Im willing to share full lists but will you know the proper moment to play it for your crowd? Likely not. Will you shuffle through all of our sheets to get through your events? If it were me attempting to do that Id likely lose the sheets and be sunk lol. Though age takes its toll Im better off using my brain cause I know what works mostly from instinct or a God given gift. I dont have such a list to share.However
We Want The Funk would likely work as well as White Lines, or Flashlight. Not necessarily in that order. Thats if your looking for similiar Funk style songs.

Glad to help.

Most of these songs have gone over well or fairly well in the differing markets I have worked in over the years. They're not new tunes ~ not much new stuff seems to get a large percentage of your crowds out on the floor these days. It's all niche music and niche dancers anymore. :(

I have played bars, campgrounds, street festivals, holiday parties, corporates, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, HS grad parties, schools (elementary, middle and high), pool parties, backyard parties and upscale, black tie galas. I've been a regular in the VFW, Eagles, Moose and Legion houses. I've played for ages 8 to 80 in all manner of conditions.

I've rocked middle school dances on a Friday night with head-bangin' stuff then headed out to the Moose to rock 'em with Grandpa Jones' Mountain Dew. Next day was a wedding with an entirely different taste in music altogether. Then I was on the road again to make a campground show over in the next county. Those were the days, lol. I'd swear my amps didn't cool down all weekend.

Some of these veunues are very particular about what's played. Let's face it: When you've got a wedding reception audience filled with over 50ish, ya don't play Crank Dat right off the bat. No Sir. Ya play songs they know and like to dance to. If yer gonna play Crank Dat, at least wait 'til the older folks have left on their own. Don't run 'em out. :eek:

Same goes for the other side of the coin. If you're playing a middle school dance, ya don't start your show with When I Stop Dreaming by the Louvin Bros. You've got to assess your audience and make decisions based on their ages and interests.

What I learned a long time ago was to make note of songs that "everybody knows" and danced to and, in particular, tunes that were requested by clients who were likely to invite us back. The VFW was easy... the members had a list of favorites that I played every time I was out there. They didn't have to request em... I played 'em anyway. They loved it. :)

Many of the aforementioned tunes tend to have staying power, do well (in my experience anyhow) and don't chase your audience out of the venue early.

With a nod to Jon, James Brown is possibly the most familiar funk music artist of all. Get Up Off Of That Thing and I Feel Good are good choices to get 'em dancing.

Thoughts?

Stogie, mind if I ask your age? It might help me help you by knowing or guessing what music era / genres are most likely to be ones that you are very familiar with.

Or, how much experience you actually have?

Thank you again Fred.

John, even though I have lots of CDs I won't be using them or looking through long lists of songs as you seem to have a picture in your head of me doing. I have almost all of my music on my PC so I'll likely set up play lists before I even go to an event based on what they tell me they want and what I think will be appropriate for who will be there.

If I see at the event that I need to change directions, I can do that pretty easily with the computer. I can search for and find any song I have in seconds and that's really helpful for requests. I think it's a lot easier than shuffling through CDs looking for something. I'll also have a CD player and some compilation CDs with what I think are the most common songs I'll be playing for backup in case the PC takes a dump.

I'll have printed lists for people to look at, but I'll also have things on the computer so looking things up will be pretty simple. I've practiced at home and in front of real people so I think I'll be comfortable and very familiar with my music library, my software and my equipment when the time comes.

If you aren't comfortable saying which songs you think are good to get people up and dancing then that's OK John. I think this is a really good discussion topic and of potential benefit to quite a few people, not just to me, but then again who knows, maybe not? I can see how some very experienced DJs just might be bored with such basic stuff. It might be like a college professor teachng 2+2=4.

I also see the benefit of you sharing some songs in a genre you feel would work in your area or type of venue. I shared a couple songs that momentarily came to me. Stogie I apologize if you took my line of questions as a counter to your request for answers. I too see the help others in the future as well as any current folks can benefit from as well as myself to remind me perhaps of a song I may have forgotten or neglected to try.

another tip just crossed my mind sorry for multi posting but in the music section and wedding section there are music genre and lists listed for some and not all after we accumulate some of your lists we can move them to the Music section and combine the appropriate ones. I do challenge you to share songs in different genres you feel will work as it might surprise you how much you truly know. Also MobileBeat.com has a top party hits 200 list each yr in their archives which were compiled from surveys from DJs allover the Globe. ITs already for print.

I'll be 50 in May. I grew up in the 'burbs of Motown in the 60's and 70's listening to Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and also Frank Zappa, Styx, Montrose, Dr. Hook, Dr. John, Dave Mason, The Platers, The Drifters, The Righteous Brothers, The Manhattans, Kansas, Boston, Frampton, Beatles, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Mamas and the Papas, Led Zeppelin, Gladys Knight . . . I could go on and on.

I don't have a lot of DJ experience, almost none. I got into this because I recently decided to start singing professionally. I was in Sam Ash looking for speakers and a mixer and the salesman in the audio department gave me the idea to DJ in addition to what I was planning to do. I loved the idea immediately and within a short time decided to also add Karaoke hosting.

DJing at weddings and parties pays more than the other two so in order to try to make a living at this I decided to put some time, effort, thought and practice into developing the DJ part of the mix. I think they all fit nicely together too. He introduced me to a local DJ who had me get PCDJ and a laptop. The local DJ didn't have the time and he was too disorganized to really help me get up to speed so I've been messing with PCDJ learning how to use it, searching the internet and trying to learn what I need to know on my own, hence all the questions.

Of all the places I've looked, this place is by far the most helpful in terms of real information and useful knowledge that I have found. I got some good information and advice at the Karaoke Scene about what Karaoke Disks to buy and that's where someone mentioned this place, probably JT.

A friend of mine has a band and also a sound and lighting company. He has helped me learn how to operate my mixer and helped me choose some microphones along with some other things. I got lucky and found some Electrovoice speakers that sound great. I have a real nice Yamaha EMX512 powered mixer and I'm in the process of adding to my music library.

I have performed enough and been on the mic enough that I am VERY comfortable and people have responded to me in a very positive way. I have a lot of confidence and I'm not looking for advice in that area at this time. All I was looking to do was to put a couple dozen good dance songs on a reference list for myself. My main thing is probably going to be singing or hosting Karaoke 2-4 times a week and then hopefully DJing 20+ weddings per year once I'm established. Most of my career I've been a salesman and I'm pretty good with people.

I will probably never be as good of a DJ as many of you, but I'll be good enough to make a lot of people happy and that's what I do when I sing too. It's a lot of fun and I enjoy it. I'm just looking to make a decent, honest living doing something I enjoy and that I'm passionate about. (I'm very excited about it too)

Excellent, we shall be here to assist when possible. I appreciate giving your details it helps establish a territory and age arena you would likely feel comfortable with or perhaps outside that some of the folks our age prefer other type events. Thanks for your Honesty I hope you appreciate mine. I was also laughing throughout hope you were as well.

I love DDB, i just wished it would go over better... I use Billie Jean sometimes.... but maybe I'll try Apache

I've only been able to play it for the right audience which has been about twice as requests..........to bad its great to dance too....

See Request lines Funk post it has some of the real Classics I humbly use at the time a Funk set is necessary along of course with Double Dutch. ( I will see if I can find it).

I too missed the "Roller Boogie" funk era......

check out the "Old Skool" series from Thump Records.......you can find 'em in the Used CD bins everywhere.

On the same disc that has DDB (Old Skool vol 1), you'll find classics like

Bounce Rock Skate Roll
Early In The Morning
etc.

not sure if any of these will pack floors, but they're great to listen to!!!

I just put together a disk of my favorite golden oldies slow songs.

Artist Track Title
Ray Price Funny How Time Slips Away
Aker Bilk Stranger On The Shore
Capris There's A Moon Out Tonight
Tommy Edwards At The End Of A Rainbow
Mario Lanza Because
Clovers Devil Or Angel
Clyde McPhatter And The Drifters Treasure Of Love
Doris Day Tammy
Eddie Arnold Welcome To My World
Englebert Humperdink After The Lovin
Elvis Presley Can't Help Falling In Love
The Safaris Image Of A Girl
Jerry Lee Lewis Sixteen Candles
Jackie Wilson You Were Made For All My Love
Jimmy Durante I'll Be Seeing You
John Gary The Shadow Of Your Smile
Nigel Olsson Put On Your Dancing Shoes
Mario Lanza Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts Angel of the Morning
Perry Como And I Love You So
Ray Price For The Good Times
Perry Como Some Enchanted Evening (49)
Rickey Nelson Lonesome Town
Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody
Michael Buble & Barry Gibb How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Julio Iglesias & Dolly Parton When You Tell Me That You Love Me

I just put together a disk of my favorite golden oldies slow songs.

Artist Track Title
Ray Price Funny How Time Slips Away
Aker Bilk Stranger On The Shore
Capris There's A Moon Out Tonight
Tommy Edwards At The End Of A Rainbow
Mario Lanza Because
Clovers Devil Or Angel
Clyde McPhatter And The Drifters Treasure Of Love
Doris Day Tammy
Eddie Arnold Welcome To My World
Englebert Humperdink After The Lovin
Elvis Presley Can't Help Falling In Love
The Safaris Image Of A Girl
Jerry Lee Lewis Sixteen Candles
Jackie Wilson You Were Made For All My Love
Jimmy Durante I'll Be Seeing You
John Gary The Shadow Of Your Smile
Nigel Olsson Put On Your Dancing Shoes
Mario Lanza Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts Angel of the Morning
Perry Como And I Love You So
Ray Price For The Good Times
Perry Como Some Enchanted Evening (49)
Rickey Nelson Lonesome Town
Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody
Michael Buble & Barry Gibb How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Julio Iglesias & Dolly Parton When You Tell Me That You Love Me

Don't know how these relate to Double Dutch Bus......

but I've been in the biz for 2 decades, and only 2 of Gray's list have ever been requested.....

"Can't Help Falling In Love" (Elvis)
"Unchained Melody" (Righteous Bros)

Matt so your claiming to play only requested music. You may as well play cheese. I find at many of my events the unheard or rare gems played get the buzz going. None of Grays songs are unknowns for the most part and I bet you rarely play for his type of crowd either.

Don't know how these relate to Double Dutch Bus......

but I've been in the biz for 2 decades, and only 2 of Gray's list have ever been requested.....

"Can't Help Falling In Love" (Elvis)
"Unchained Melody" (Righteous Bros)

Stogie wrote:....

Please do. . . go ahead, go on and on. Be as specific as possible(everyone).
The songs DON'T HAVE TO BE the same kind of funk dance tunes as Double Dutch Bus, I just like that type of music, specifically that kind of beat and funky feel.

What I'm really looking for is ANY songs that people hear and start heading out onto the dance floor, ANY, it doesn't matter to me what genre, era or whatever. I'm always looking for new ideas and new songs that I may not have heard or have forgotten about.

I believe that answers your first criticism.......

So am I to conclude from your comments, that if you have never had the request for the song, then their is no interest in the Music?? Correct??

DDB has almost always been a turd for me. Too bad since it's a pretty cool song.

DDB has almost always been a turd for me. Too bad since it's a pretty cool song.


I've only played it as a request....... it takes the right type audience its too bad because it along with a lot of the "Gap Band" are also very good dance songs

So am I to conclude from your comments, that if you have never had the request for the song, then their is no interest in the Music?? Correct??

People don't know what they like.....they only like what they know!

When I was starting out (in 1986 or so)...a local DJ named Mike Love(who is now retired) gave me that mantra. Mike's credentials are well known by anyone who's read "Spinnin' 2000" (he wrote the foreword for the First Edition of this well-known DJ book, published in 1989).

He also provided me with a Song Book (one by Artist and one by Title) that had every song listed from 1950 to 1985. What was really helpful to me, as a DJ starting out.....was that every song had a special CODE of either "A", "B", or "C".

an "A" means the song packs floors with the right age group
a "B" means the song will work sometimes but not always
and finally the letter "C" means "CLEARS THE FLOOR"

(Note that Mike HATED Double Dutch Bus because it reminded him of rap music.....which is why he retired from DJing)

I pulled out Mike's song books, which I hadn't seen for several years.

His data was compiled from having run one of the largest Multi-Ops in San Jose CA between 1975 and 1984.

Elvis Presley Can't Help Falling In Love--A
Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody---A
Funny How Time Slips Away--A
Stranger On The Shore--A
There's A Moon Out Tonight---A
Englebert Humperdink After The Lovin--A
Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts Angel of the Morning---A
Perry Como And I Love You So--A
Ray Price For The Good Times--A
Perry Como Some Enchanted Evening --A
Rickey Nelson Lonesome Town---A

Tommy Edwards At The End Of A Rainbow --not listed
Mario Lanza Because You're Mine---C
Clovers Devil Or Angel--B (but Bobby Vee's version got an "A")
Clyde McPhatter Treasure Of Love--B
Doris Day Tammy ---not listed (but Debbie Reynold's version got an "A")
Eddie Arnold Welcome To My World-- not listed
The Safaris Image Of A Girl--B
Jerry Lee Lewis Sixteen Candles---not listed (but Crests' version got "A")
Jackie Wilson You Were Made For All My Love---not listed
Jimmy Durante I'll Be Seeing You---NL (but Bing Crosby's version got "B")
John Gary The Shadow Of Your Smile--NL (but Sinatra's got a "B")
Nigel Olsson Put On Your Dancing Shoes--not listed
Mario Lanza Love Is A Many Splendored Thing---NL (but Four Aces got "A")
Michael Buble & B Gibb How Can U Mend A Broken Heart (NL--Bee Gees got A)
Julio Iglesias & Dolly Parton When You Tell Me That You Love Me--not listed

before you say "A-HA.....there are 10 "A" songs on that list"

Keep in mind that Mike's list was compiled in the late 70's and early 80's.

Just because those songs worked TWENTY YEARS AGO.....doesn't guarantee success in 2007.

Mike cautioned me, when using the list--- to ONLY buy music that is being requested. He told me about "Music having a SHELF LIFE"

In 1985, the people who loved these songs were older than I am currently (probably in their late 50's to early 60's).

In 2007, the audience for Gray's favorite tunes? Between 70 and 80 years old.

Bottom line: Unless you're doing Nursing Homes or the local Elks Lodge retirement parties......most of these songs won't be much use to Stogie or anyone else starting out in the DJ world today!

If any DJ would like to have a copy of Mike's book, to copy for their own use, its available for just the cost of postage.

To be fair,
I'll list several more songs from the Golden Moldies Era which still pack floors today, ones that Gray missed:

"I Only Have Eyes For You" (Flamingos)
"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" (Platters)
"Only You" (Platters)
"Soul & Inspiration" (Righteous Bros)
"Chances Are" (Johnny Mathis)
"Crazy" (Patsy Cline)
"I've Got You Under My Skin" (Frank Sinatra)== or Allie singing it live
"At Last" (Etta James)

I could probably come up with more.....all "A" titles from Mike's Book but still doing well with today's crowds
these all get requested alot and should be part of any starting DJ's library.

Matt so Mike is the authority and if neither you or "Mike" ranked it then these songs are no good for play....Just wanted to make sure I understood your position on this....

all music other than approved by Matt and Mr Love must be burnt or smashed in a landfill as it hasnt any value.

If Matt called all the music I could play I wouldn't make a dime in this biz... :D

Matt you are a nice young man, and we have met, shared lunch, but you have to understand, that though you may be good at what you do, and I am sure you are, it is possible for others, to also be good at what they do, and with a totally different play list, with totally different equipment, and a totally different personality....It is possible, my friend....

And that's what makes being in the entertainment industry so cool, we are all not the same. How boring would that be, and yes I get applause, and also tears from people when they hear some of these golden oldies; even though they don't appear on your list. It means that music has a vast and diversified audience.......thank God for this difference.

I pride myself in picking those tunes, that make that difference, that bring that happiness........

I am but a simple Man.......

Jim is correct. I have my DJ business success to thank for the VFWs and Mooses... and the older music these folks enjoy.

A bit of history: Back in '93 when I was getting started with the RS stuff, most of the shows I got were backyard parties that were done by the in-laws. Did a family wedding or two but most of it was all night long in someone's back yard. Bunch of rednecks drinking all night.

At one of these backyard parties for in-laws and friends I met a man who wanted me to play a dance at the VFW over in the next county. He was somehow related to the lady who hired me that night. He liked the music and he liked my attitude. So I booked it and continued with the VFW for a time. Even DJ'd their NYE party. They'd never booked a DJ for NYE ~ it was always a band. They kept my number on their bulletin board and recommended me to people who rented the place.

I was the first DJ ever booked by the C'Ville Moose. This Moose lodge has the biggest wooden dancefloor within many miles and the members like their bands. It's a big building. But I got in there and made 'em happy.

At one of the VFW dances, a lady approached me and wanted me to DJ her corporate Christmas party at the Charlottesville Omni Hotel. She didn't care about the price. I was flabbergasted and ended up booking that show for quadruple what the VFW paid. She and her husband stuck with me every year for many years after. They were more than clients ~ they were dear friends.

It went upscale from there. Soon, I was booking weddings and dances all over the place. It was hard work at times but it was damn good money. The phone was ringing and I was driving out to a show most weekends. Was booked all weekend sometimes... Friday evening school, Saturday night campground or private party, Sunday wedding. There were days when I had to load out from one show and drive to another.

But I never forgot my roots ~ those clients who always wanted me to play for the VFW and Moose. Where they went, I went. They'd plan their dances around my schedule. To this day I get Christmas cards from 'em every year. :)

Playing "cheese" or old Country and Bluegrass or what-the-heck-ever-doesn't-fly-in-California-dance-clubs made my business what it is today. I have scores of professional references that I can still call up to this day, many of whom I haven't seen in years.

Ya get there by playing songs your audiences love and will dance to. You surprise 'em with classics they don't hear anymore. Artists like Bobby Vinton and The Drifters. Ya play their requests, no matter how many times you've already played 'em. Ya pick up on the styles and genres of requests and add to it. Ya watch the feet... if the feets are tapping, you're doing good.

If I ran my business the way Matt seems to think a mobile DJ business ought to be run, I'd still be in the backyards with the in-laws and the RS stuff.

That's the point.....there are people who enjoy the difference in play lists. Something different than what every other DJ in town is playing.

For most of the parties I do, there is sometimes 3 generations represented. I chose to acknowledge that, and play music for each.

Early in the evening I will try and feature the "Golden Oldies", not exclusively, but more of the Slow waltz's the jitterbug/swing numbers, along with music from the 80's 90's and current pop. So as to not leave any group out.

As the evening goes on the emphasis goes in the opposite direction, more current, along with more from the 70's,80's and 90's....

The older dancers are always so appreciative of the songs played, and make comments that other DJ's will not play the older numbers, unless requested......

Well, I played the Double Dutch song at my first official event. I was determined to play this new song that I had found and that I really liked. It always sounded good at home when I played it on my computer through my decent sounding computer speakers.

As I listened to the song at my event I realized that I may never play it again in public. Even though I like the song, it just didn't sound right to me. I played a couple other similar sounding songs with a similar funky beat that I thought sounded much better.

This is what the learning process is all about. I have no doubts that I will continue to learn from every gig I do. My motto which I adopted from the great classic movie(IMO) Heartbreak Ridge is to Always improvise and adapt. The marines have it right! Even though Heartbreak Ridge is entertainment, it has some very good lessons that can be imparted. There is wisdom and knowledge to be found all around us.

Double Dutch Bus will be a song that I will continue to enjoy, but probably only at home or in the car. :sqlaugh:

Well, I played the Double Dutch song at my first official event. I was determined to play this new song that I had found and that I really liked. It always sounded good at home when I played it on my computer through my decent sounding computer speakers.

As I listened to the song at my event I realized that I may never play it again in public. Even though I like the song, it just didn't sound right to me. I played a couple other similar sounding songs with a similar funky beat that I thought sounded much better.

This is what the learning process is all about. I have no doubts that I will continue to learn from every gig I do. My motto which I adopted from the great classic movie(IMO) Heartbreak Ridge is to Always improvise and adapt. The marines have it right! Even though Heartbreak Ridge is entertainment, it has some very good lessons that can be imparted. There is wisdom and knowledge to be found all around us.

Double Dutch Bus will be a song that I will continue to enjoy, but probably only at home or in the car. :sqlaugh:

Exactly, it requires a very special audience. It is though a great funky song.